It has been one month since a devastating earthquake struck central Myanmar, leaving over 5,000 confirmed dead and many more still missing. Though the tremor was felt across the region, global attention quickly faded. For those within Myanmar, however, the devastation will last for years. What could have sparked global solidarity has instead become yet another site… Continue reading Myanmar’s earthquake: a disaster made worse by blocked aid
Indonesia was one of the first countries to start negotiations with the United States over the “Liberation Day” tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. However, the prospects of a stable deal that could be accepted by both countries are hazy. Key takeaways: Jakarta must accept the possibility that the US might not view tariff negotiations… Continue reading Deal or no deal: What Indonesia should know when negotiating the US Liberation Day tariffs
As the reliability of the transatlantic alliance comes into question, the EU struggles to define a unified strategy, caught between economic opportunities and growing security concerns about China. This uncertainty leaves the EU vulnerable to both external pressures and internal divisions. Key takeaways: The EU’s approach to cooperation with China has been inconsistent, which has… Continue reading Nascent transatlantic drift muddles EU’s approach to cooperation with China
South Korea is at a crossroads as the impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol exposes deep political fault lines, testing the strength of its institutions and raising concerns about its role as a democratic bellwether in Asia. Key takeaways: The impeachment crisis underscores the severe partisan divisions in South Korea. The fragility of South Korea’s democracy… Continue reading What does President Yoon Seok-yeol’s impeachment mean for South Korea’s democracy?
The United States’ growing emphasis on fortifying the second island chain in the Indo-Pacific has sparked concerns about potential vulnerabilities in the first chain, prompting a reevaluation of regional defense strategies and alliances. Key takeaways: The US pivot towards the second island chain reflects its broader strategic recalibration in the Indo-Pacific in response to China’s… Continue reading US shifts priority to Indo-Pacific’s “second island chain”—what does it mean for Taiwan?
